STAYING GROUNDED
Like the main plane of the front wing and the leading edge of the sidepod, the rear wing endplates follow the oblique trend mandated by the new regulations as they tilt backwards (at an angle of approximately 25˚).
Still at the back, the rear wing mounting pillar, which also has a sloped outline, goes through the exhaust pipe; a design already seen on several cars last year (McLaren, Toro Rosso, Ferrari, etc.).
In the same area, Renault has ditched the single wastegate tailpipe exit seen on its previous model and replaced it with two exits, which proved to be the favourite solution among teams in 2016.
Designing highly sophisticated machines under tight restrictions has limited F1 teams’ ability to make up for lost ground quickly, though any new regulations provide a clean slate and the opportunity to be on the same footing as the front-running outfits.
The R.S.17 is only the second phase in Renault’s long-term programme. And whether it is developing the new power unit and making it more reliable, or continuing to upgrade the aero department, the French manufacturer knows the challenges at hand and that it must keep its feet on the ground.
“The expectations are significant, though equally, we are still growing and the fruits of new personnel and new infrastructure do take time to filter through,” Renault Sport Racing managing director Cyril Abiteboul said. “In terms of performance, we will be a lot faster than last year, that’s for sure.”
GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
